Between Romagna and Tuscany (Itinerary of 4 days/ 3 nights)

Ariminum, with the arrival of the Romans in 268 b.C., began to have a modern urban structure. Later on other monuments were built to decorate the town: like the Arch of Augustus, the Amphitheatre and the Tiberius Bridge (in the past the Marecchia River flew into the Adriatic sea in this area, today it has been deviated as the detritus caused problems to the harbor). In 2007, after 18 years of work, was also completed the excavating of the Domus del Chirurgo, Surgeon’s house (Eutyches, a military surgeon). “Sigismondo Pandolfo praying in front of St. Sigismund” (begun in 1447) inside the Tempio Malatestiano, designed by Leon Battista Alberti. Alberti transformed the already existing church of San Francesco in a temple-mausoleum for Sigismondo Malatesta, lord of the town. Since its foundation, the many artists cooperated in the construction of the Temple: Leon Battista Alberti, Matteo de' Pasti, The first masterpiece of “THE TOUR OF THE TERRE DI PIERO” is the fresco depicting church was the rest place of all the members of the Malatesta family. Agostino di Duccio and Piero della Francesca. It is the lord of Rimini, Sigismondo Malatesta, who is depicted in the fresco praying in front of St. Sigismund by Piero della Francesca. The fresco, signed by Piero della Francesca and dated 1451 is In 1451 Piero della Francesca was called to Rimini to work in the Tempio where he created the even though this is the only masterpiece, which is still preserved in Emilia Romagna, the inland of Romagna with the Marecchia Valley offers the chance to admire the landscapes that inspired the artist (the Late in the afternoon accommodation in 4****hotel or historical dwelling in the inland (or agritourismus). preserved together with the sinopia inside the Tempio Malatestiano. monumental fresco with St. Sigismund and Sigismondo Pandolfo. famous “Balconies of Piero della Francesca” that you will admire in the next days)

DINNER with typical menu of Romagna, tasting of local wines. Overnight.

2° Day - SAN LEO (Romagna)

After breakfast, departure to the majestic inland of the Marecchia Valley, that was the Montefeltro region, the Land of Dukes: arrival to San Leo, the former capital of the region. Welcome to the “invisible landscapes” of Piero della Francesca. Meeting with the guide in Varco Biforca-Tausano and visit to this enchanting place, to admire 2 of the 7 Balconies of Piero della Francesca: Battista Sforza (“Diptych of the Dukes” preserved in Florence in the Uffizi Gallery) and Saint Jerome and a Donor (in Venice, Galleria dell’ Accademia). A poetic landscape where Piero della Francesca travelled through 500 years ago, when from Borgo San Sepolcro he used to pay a visit to the Dukes of Urbino and to Sigismondo Malatesta in Rimini. And it was while he was riding through the Marecchia and Conca Valley that he was inspired for his landscapes. An emotional tour that put together colors, lights, woods, trees, parish churches... It is a real Open Air Museum, thanks to the “landscape busters” Rosetta Borchia and Olivia Nesci. After years of work with the intent of finding the truth, they have discovered the “invisible lanscapes” of Piero della Francesca scientifically proving that the landscapes of these pictures of Piero are just here in the Montefeltro area, between the Marche and Romagna. Transfer to the old town of SAN LEO for LUNCH with a typical Montefeltro menu in an osteria in the main square of the village. The chef will prepare you the most authentic and traditional flavors, with from farm to fork products and a selection of wine that will enhance the flavors of the dishes. In the afternoon visit to the old town. The stunning fortress is perched on the rock while the churches and the palaces decorate the old town that becomes unique and fascinating. You can visit the Romanesque buildings, the Parish Church, the Cathedral, the belfry, and then pay a visit to the Fortress by Francesco with the end of the Reign of the Dukes of Urbino, the stronghold lost its military nature and was transformed into a prison. From 1791 to his death (26. August 1795) Giuseppe Balsamo, known as Alessandro Conte di Cagliostro, was imprisoned here. He was one of the most enigmatic wizards, di Giorgio Martini, an important battle scene during the Renaissance. Late in the afternoon, return to the hotel, historical dwelling or agritourismus. alchemist, and healers of the age of Enlightenment. Dinner at your disposal and free evening to relax. Overnight.

3° Day - SANSEPOLCRO and MONTERCHI (Tuscany)

Breakfast and departure to Sansepolcro, birthplace of Piero: the itinerary to the discovery of the works of art of Piero della Francesca in the province of Arezzo, goes through the Tiberina Valley, Sansepolcro and Monterchi (and Arezzo which we will visit tomorrow). One of the most fascinating things about the works (fresco and paintings on wood) of Piero is that he pays great attention to the landscape. Sansepolcro is a real “museum in the open air”, full of renaissance atmosphere! Walking through Noble palaces and ancient churches there are breathtaking views and inside the civic museum you can admire 4 masterpieces of the master “The risen”, “The mercy” frescos “San Giuliano” and “San Ludovico".
Always in Sansepolcro you will also find the House of Piero della Francesca, home of the foundation with the same name: center of studies, library and home of temporary exhibits. The house is located in the oldest part of the town and was restructured, probably following the orders of Piero. Today it features noble decorative elements that enrich it inside and outside.

Then we suggest a tasting of typical products in agritourismus or osteria in Sansepolcro, Anghiari or Monterchi with local cheese and cold cuts, bruschetta with bread and tasteful oil of Tuscany, together with delicious red wine and dulcis in fundo ...cantucci and vin santo. After lunch leave out the hustle and bustle of the modern life! Imagine that exists a tiny village in the countryside on the border between Tuscany, Marche, Umbria and Emilia Romagna where the time flows slowly, much more slowly than every elsewhere... a place where the geometries of the fields, the colors of the nature and the stone house allow us to think at more human living pace to the discovery of places of the soul, where emotions that elsewhere are lost .. That’s Monterchi, a remote village where Piero della Francesca has left one of the most famous works of or forgotten gain in importance...that’s not a dream... art of the XV century “Madonna of parturition” (Museum of the Madonna del Parto).

One of most beautiful pictures of the entire Renaissance that celebrates motherhood and fertility. Traditionally the fresco dates back to 1459, when the artist visited Monterchi due to the funeral of his pregnant women to be protected during the childbirth frequently visited the Madonna of parturition. Two kilometers away from the old town of Monterchi, on the way that follows the crest of the hills (in Padonchia) the Churches of San Michele Arcangelo rises up. It has a Langobardic origin and is dedicated to San Michele, the soldier archangel who fights the evil.On the right wall is preserved a beautiful Madonna also interesting is the Romanesque altar, made of stone, dating from the eleventh or twelfth century. Historical dwelling in the inland (or agritourismus) in the area of Sansepolcro/Monterchi/Arezzo mother who was born in the hamlet. Enthroned with Child of the first half of the fifteenth century.
Late in the afternoon accommodation in 4****hotel or DINNER with typical menu of Tuscany, tasting of local wines. Overnight.

4° Day - AREZZO (Tuscany)

Breakfast and visit to the gorgeous town of AREZZO, elegant medieval and Renaissance town with a great charm and incredible artistic value. As the architectural structure of the town itself witnesses, you will notice that it must have been one of the biggest Etruscan town of the past and later a strategical roman village. The upper part of the town has a medieval appearance, is overlooked by the cathedral and by the fortress of the Medici family. In the center of the town, there is Piazza Grande that mixes many architectonical styles: medieval towers and the important Loggia of Vasari, one of the most interesting work of art of the Renaissance; the Palace of the Fraternita dei Laici, an example of mixture between gothic and renaissance architecture, many churches and palaces witness with their beauty and their style the splendor of the works of Piero: the fresco of “The legend of the true cross” (Bacci Chapel, Basilica of Saint Francis), and the apse of the Parish Church of Santa Maria. Many churches and palaces witness with their beauty and their style the splendor of Arezzo civilization and its importance over the historical ages. Works of Piero: the fresco of “The legend of the true cross” (Bacci Chapel, Basilica of Saint Francis), “The Magdalene” (Cathedral).

LUNCH in a typical "bottega" in the old town with specialties of Arezzo and AOC wine of Tuscany in the afternoon, departure.